Joyia Nicole Howard, known to many as "Joy" went to sleep on April 2, 2021. Though she has departed this life, her spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of those she touched here on earth.  

Joyia accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age.  She was a lifelong member of the Seventh-day Adventist church. First, at Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist and then Cincinnati Clifton Avenue SDA Church.  Joyia was a classically trained pianist and organist. Playing in church was an absolute "joy" for her as well as teaching her nieces to play. 

Joyia was born on November 9, 1980 in Cincinnati, Ohio to James and Jeanier Howard. She was the eldest of two children. Joyia attended Clifton Christian Academy (formerly CJA) in her early years and later attended and graduated from Spring Valley Academy with honors. Joyia furthered her education by obtaining a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Cincinnati Ohio and later a Masters Degree in accounting from University of Phoenix. She worked at Metro Labs in Asheville, Nc and also was involved with various non profits in the Asheville area. Joyia returned to Cincinnati, Ohio in 2014 to teach at Clifton Christian Academy and later transitioned into the role of registrar, administrative secretary and business manager.  

Joyia is preceded in death by her grandmother, Algertha M. Howard. Her grandfather Keith Hill.

Joyia is survived by her Father, James Howard Jr. Her Mother, Jeanier Howard. Her brother, Jason Howard.  Her Uncles, Richard Howard, Hylan Mack, Dalma Hill, Rowan Hill,  Alex Bimber-Segue. Her Aunts, Sylvia Joseph,Lynn Bonner, Annalee Long, Hyacinth Matthews, Eloise Challenger, Cheryl Hill, Debbie Howard, Denise Otto, Hyacinth Bryant, Terri Howard, Minnie King. Joyia loved her cousins like brothers and sister, Brian Howard, Alex Howard and Cameron Lumsey. Her Sister-in love, Samantha Howard. Her Nieces, Winter Howard and Jayda Howard.